Fans of epic fantasy and supernatural horror are connecting the dots between two television giants, making a startling discovery about a beloved actor's early career. Joseph Quinn, now globally famous for his role as Eddie Munson in Stranger Things, once appeared in a small but memorable part in HBO's Game of Thrones.
From Winterfell to the Upside Down
Long before he was shredding guitar in the Upside Down, Joseph Quinn was standing guard at the gates of Winterfell. The British actor took on the role of Koner, a Stark loyalist soldier, in the seventh season of Game of Thrones. The episode, titled 'The Spoils of War' and originally airing in 2017, featured Quinn's character alongside another guard named Henk, played by Danny Kirrane.
In the scene, a returning Arya Stark, portrayed by Maisie Williams, demands entry to her family home. Koner and Henk mock her, believing Arya to be dead, and refuse her request to see Jon Snow. It is only when Arya threatens to tell her sister Sansa, played by Sophie Turner, that the guards relent, arguing over who should escort her and allowing Arya to slip past them.
A Career Ignited
This minor role was a stepping stone for Quinn, whose career has since skyrocketed. His breakout performance as the charismatic and tragic Eddie Munson in Stranger Things season four cemented him as a fan favourite. Following that success, he has landed major film roles, including the iconic Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, in Marvel's The Fantastic Four: First Steps. He is also set to portray George Harrison in an upcoming Beatles biopic and will reprise his Human Torch role in Avengers: Doomsday in 2026.
Interestingly, the Game of Thrones episode that featured Quinn was directed by Matt Shakman, who will later direct him again in The Fantastic Four, creating a unique full-circle moment for the actor.
Fan Reaction and Rediscovery
The connection has left many viewers stunned, particularly those who haven't revisited the Game of Thrones episode since its original broadcast. The discovery gained traction through discussions on platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter).
One astonished fan wrote online, "I was today years old when I realized that Joseph Quinn was also in GoT!" Another viewer commented on the pleasure of spotting now-established actors in their early work, stating, "Love when you go back to an older show and notice a now established actor in the start of their career."
Beyond his roles in these major series, Joseph Quinn's filmography also includes appearances in Gladiator II, Warfare, and BBC dramas such as Strike and Small Axe.
Stranger Things is available to stream on Netflix, while Game of Thrones can be watched on Sky and NOW in the UK.
